Womens Council of Realtors Cape Coral  Chapter

Message from the President

We are now through the first quarter of the year. The market has really heated up and Realtors are moving out the inventory. There are still many foreclosures to come but properties are selling!

Our Membership appreciation event on March 18th at Paul Homes Model was a success. Attendance was over 40 people and we gave away 25 gifts. Kudos to the membership committee because they’ve added 4 new Realtors, 2 new secondary Realtors and 6 new Affiliate members to our rooster.

The District V event this year will be at “Paseo” by Stock Development in Ft. Myers on May 21st. This will include everyone from Naples to Port Charlotte. We are looking for anyone who would like to participate in the trade show.  There will be 6 international baskets given away that day, this will be an exciting time for all who attend! More info to come later on the event.

I’m very happy to announce my new VP of Membership Elin Greer with TLC Property Management. She will be a great asset to our team.

Remember: Maybe good things come to those who wait, but the best things come to those who seize the moment and make it their own.

Michele Schafer
2009 Local Chapter President

Websites

WCR Cape Coral:
www.WCRCapeCoral.com

WCR Florida State:
www.wcrfl.com
and Chapter News
WCR National:
www.wcr.org

Sign up for updates from Florida State Women´s Council
Change/Update your email Address
Receive via Email Upcoming State Meetings with links to register online for PMN Classes around the State.
Our State Newsletter is filled with information

Upcoming Events:

April 9th
5-7 pm
"If the Shoe Fits, Buy it in Every Color"
Designer Shoe Gallerie
CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

April 10th
8:30-9:30AM
Governing Board Meeting
Cape Coral Association of Realtors


April 16th
Luncheon
11am-1pm
Guest Speaker- Terry Frith 
"2009 New Financial Opportunities"
Carrabba's Restaurant on Pine Island Road
CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

May 12th
8:30-9:30am
Governing Board Meeting
Cape Coral Association of Realtors

May 21st
9am-2pm
District V Forum
Passport to International Alliance
Paseo Ft Myers

June 9th
8:30-9:30am
Governing Board Meeting
Cape Coral Association of Realtors

June 18th
11am-1pm
European Business Council Luncheon
Palmetto Pines Country Club

Birthdays:

CLICK HERE FOR APRIL BIRTHDAY MEMBERS!

 

Officers:

President:
    Michele Schafer  (239)292-7370
President Elect:
    Debbie Towns  (239)243-4513
VP of Membership:
    Elin Greer  (239)989-6713

Secretary:

    Jayne Malinowski  (239)994-3565
Treasurer:
    Donna Stout  (239)810-2879
...click for more info

Robin McKeever:
2009 State Vice President
2008 State Treasurer
Past Local Chapter President

Barbara Peet:
2009 District Vice President
Past Local Chapter President

Click for WCR Committees

Inspirational Thoughts and Readings

Feeling a bit stressed??? If you would like to "Recharge your battery" CLICK HERE!

"Learning to Dance in The Rain" CLICK HERE

Some inspiring "reads"  CLICK HERE to get a glimpse.

WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
Do any of our members have sons or daughters or grandson or grand-daughters overseas in the service that we might send some of our "Support Our Troops" Boxes??
Let us know and we will be happy to send them a package to let them know we "support our troops"! 
For those who would like to donate, here are some suggestions:
The troops very much like letters from the children thanking them for serving our country.
Beef jerky
Skin So Soft (helps a lot with the bugs)
Hygiene products (especially Gold Bond foot powder)
Car magazines

Contact Ann LoRusso  alorusso@coconet.com

Please Support our Local Sponsors:

IAK Florida Builders, L.L.C.
The Real Estate Book
Dawn Barnett State Farm Agency
Towns Title & Co.
Pawlik Corporation
Home Team Inspection Service
The News-Press
Designer Shoe Gallerie
Carrabba's Italian Grill

 

If you have any announcements or other information you would like published in the newsletter please send to me by the 25th of the month. It will then be published in the following monthly newsletter. We are open to suggestions and ideas, please email Dawn Carvotta at dawn@trebfl.com


Mission

We are a network of successful REALTORS empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Vision
Through our influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the profession and in the broader community.

 

Welcome New Members & On the Move

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!

Affiliate Memberships:
Linda Seltzer-Third Federal S&L
Gary Siebenaler-ALuFab Shutters
Peggy G Burt- Platinum Land Title Agency
Kim Sanders- Busey Bank
Rick Towns- Towns Title & Co
Janet Beddoe- All American Alarms
 
Realtors:
Cynthia Shafer - Lahaina Realty, Also past State President of WCR
Donna Guido-Wentworth Realty Group, Also our District VP
Gail Danis- Sellstate Priority Realty
Julie Faries- Sellstate Priority Realty
Vicki Hamm- Pulte Homes
Thomas  Reiersen  - Douglas Realty & Development

ON THE MOVE!
Sheryl Blakeslee-Salanda has moved to Security Title

Please Support our Local Sponsors:
STRATEGIC PARTNERS

IAK Florida Builders, L.L.C.
The Real Estate Book
Dawn Barnett State Farm Agency
Towns Title & Co.
Pawlik Corporation
Home Team Inspection Service
The News-Press
Designer Shoe Gallerie
Carrabba's Italian Grill

The 2009 Strategic Partner Program is a great tool for our affiliate members to promote their services. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Please contact JJ Jones at 239-878-6583 for more information.

Spotlight Members of the Month - Affiliate Member

Picture 1

Stephanie Whiffen
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Home Mortgage Consultant, Retail

Who is Stephanie Whiffen?
I have been blessed with knowing our Cape Coral Community for the last 25 years; having been a permanent resident the last 9 years.  My parents retired here 25 years ago and hence, vacationing here I grew to know and love our community.
My professional life consists of being in Real Estate, Business and Banking for the last 33 years, plus.  Originally from the New England area, we started working in my family at a very young age and technically, I have been working 37 years.  Probably one of the most interesting items in my career is that I also had my Real Estate License in Massachusetts; sold my first house at age 18. 
I was married for 28 years; recently divorced but was blessed with 2 wonderful children in the process. My son and daughter both reside in this area, attend college, work full time and are on their own.
The most hidden secret I possess…..I wanted to be a Concert Pianist.  I still have a passion for music that has not left me and I attend many concerts at the SWFlorida Symphony and Naples Philharmonic.
I am currently a Home Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, my office is located at 7370 College Parkway, Suite 310, Fort Myers, Florida.  With Wells Fargo's recent purchase of Wachovia, you will be seeing the signage change in the near future.  In addition to the conforming loan products, I can also service Foreign Nationals again.  If you know anyone who can use my services, please feel free to pass my contact information along to them.
I am proud to be a Member of the Cape Coral Chapter of the Women's Council for Realtors.
Wishing everyone much success in 2009! And beyond…

Spotlight Members of the Month - Realtor of the Month

Picture 2

Alison Free
Commercial Realtor / Business Coach
Pate Taylor, Inc Commercial Real Estate

I was born in a  small seaport town called Marblehead in Massachusetts.
The summer I graduated my small town high school, I packed everything I owned in eight boxes and moved to Miami by myself. My dream of escaping the cold winters and living my life in the sunshine began that year and almost 30 years later (yikes that's scary!) Florida is still my home. I have raised 5 amazing children who all live in Cape Coral and within 5 minutes of my home at Tarpon Point Marina. I am so blessed to have 4 incredible grandbabies and one on the way (I really think I am too young to be a Nonnie - grandma in Italian) but it is my most proud accomplishment and they are the wind under my wings! I spend most of my time encouraging business owners and anyone who wants a piece of my passion for how to get through this different and changing time together. The rest really doesn’t matter…when you have a beautiful family, great friends, good health and a faithful Father in heaven…what more could you want!   
Family: The best!
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, Rowing, Yoga and Art
Mentor: Jesus
Last Book read: The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck – a great read!

City News

Designer Shoe Gallerie
John & Nancy Baumbach

Designer Shoe Gallerie is owned and operated by John and Nancy Baumbach. John is origianlly from Pittsburg PA and Nancy originally from Peru. Nancy's family has been in the shoe manufacturing business for many generations. Their women's boutique provides designer imported leather shoes, handbags, purses, belts as well as custom hand crafted jewelry, designer sun glasses and much, much more. The word is spreading about the personalized service you receive at their fine boutique. In fact they were recently on THE MORNING BLEND on Fox Morning News! They are located at 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy just three doors down from the Iguana Mia Restaurant. They provide a unique shopping experience for those women who want the finest in comfort, elegance and beauty at an affordable price.

"We welcome you to come in, and have a cup of coffee, look around and try on some of your 1,400 of the most comfortable shoes you have ever worn. Take a step into Luxury......at an affordable price!"

Picture 3

Thanks again to Brian Harmon of Harmon Photograhy for taking the wonderful pictures at our February Valentine Luncheon. CLICK HERE  in case you missed them! 

CLICK HERE to see pictures from the "Steven Oniki" Seminar held last month! (taken by one of the attendees!)

Attention Members!!!
Did you know you can renew your membership and pay online?! 

Just:
1. log onto www.wcrcapecoral.org
2. click on Member Application
3. download or print form
4. complete
5. Email back
6. Then.....pay with PayPal

Thank you for your continued support!

DON'T MISS!.....April's Luncheon!!
Which will be held at Carrabba's Restaraunt in Cape Coral! Yum!
11am-1pm
The speaker will be Terry Frith of Edward Jones who will be speaking to us about
"2009 NEW Financial Opportunities"
CLICK HERE FOR FLYER!

Terry Frith began her career with Edward Jones in 1994 and her office has been located in Cape Coral the entire time.  As a financial advisor, she offers local personalized service to help make sense of your long-term financial situation.
 
In 2000, Terry became a Limited Partner with the firm.  She currently serves as the Female Recruiting Specialist for her region.  She also serves as a Field Trainer.
 
Originally from Laceyville, PA she moved to Cape Coral in 1985.  She is married to Greg Frith and has 2 children and 1 grandchild.  Her son lives in Chicago with his family.  Her daughter is in 5th grade at Southwest FL Christian Academy.
 
In the community, she serves on the board at Cape Christian Fellowship.  She has participated in Relay for Life every year either as a Team Captain or a member of the committee.  She has also served on the committee for the Cattle Baron's Ball held each year for the American Cancer Society, which is the largest in the state of FL.  She has also been involved in the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, ABWA, and Harney Pt. Kiwanis.

______________________________________________________
A NOTE FROM OUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Marketing to Women Summit – Chicago 3/20/09-3/22/09 

The speakers at this year’s WCR Summit covered topics from building relationships to communication skills. They highlighted marketing ideas, generational differences, leadership opportunities and specific ways to stand out in today’s real estate industry. Our very own Candy Kelly the Florida State Chapter District 8 Governor presented, “A competitive Advantage:  Position Yourself in Today’s Marketplace.” Contact Candy for a copy of her handout. Email: Candy@CandyKelly.com

The key to success is to be surrounded by supportive people. Honor those relationships and build up a unified Posse of coaches, assistants, mentors, organizers, counselors, photographers, accountants and include any other trusted advisors or business partner real or imagined such as famous people who are great leaders and role models.

The major differences when marketing to women versus men is use people terms. Instead of things and theories when working with women, the key is to use people power. Connect with women via print, websites, e-mail and social networking. Use people in your marketing and in your stories. Going that extra mile with the use of your special services will promote word of mouth advertising. Do not ask for a referral; give her something to talk about.

Don’t be afraid to make a name for yourself. It’s okay to toot your own horn. Look for leadership opportunities and when they arise, grab them by the lapel. Lead in order to serve others and that will be the base for which you will reach your goals. Let go of your ego, give your all too all you do, rely on discipline and never, never give up.

The biggest effect of the summit is the support and connection of the attendees. They shared their ideas, inspired us by their stories and always had a friendly smile and a hug to share.  We are unique, we are resilient and WE ARE READY!

Pamela Banks
2009 WCRFL District V Governor


Many of our members and leaders attended the 2009 Chicago
Marketing Women Summit.  It was a wonderful, informative event. We had high quality
speakers such as Amy Chorew teaching us the benefits of social networking through
facebook, linkedin and how to twitter. This is the wave of the future that has already
come in. We all need to ride the wave if we are going to stay in the new technological
real estate market. Vickie Austin taught us about working with different generations of
women consumers and the many differences involved.  Marilyn Moats Kennedy, who
many of you might know, spoke on the generational differences in selection, tastes
and compromises they make. Marti Barleta taught us about marketing to the woman
consumer. And yes, statistics show that 82% of consumer decisions are made by
women in this country. A fact that needs to be part of your business plan. Jim Delizia
put it all together with helping everyone create a marketing plan with the knowledge
we received.

Your President in print (e-print that is! Go green!) Your state president was
highlighted on the National Women's Council of REALTOR's website. You can read
the article at: www.wcr.org/enewsletter/2009/mar09/m9.html.

Chapter Business Plan. Local Chapter Governing Boards, please be sure and go to
www.wcrfl.com/forms/forms.htm and go to the chapter planning section. The end of
March is drawing near and it's time to report to your District Vice Presidents.

2009 is starting out as an awesome year! We have a lot of great education
programs being delivered by all the local chapters. We are in the planning stages
for the many District Forums that will happen throughout the state. Check the
state website for dates and places. Many of the flyers are already getting linked
for registration.

Through the efforts of our great members that see the value in Women's Council,
our membership numbers are up!

   Marie Avery, President
Women's Council of REALTORS - Florida State Chapter


Please support our sponsors:


Please support our Local Sponsors:
Busey Wealth Management, Cape Harbour, Carrabba's, Community Self Storage, Dawn Barnett State Farm Agency, Designer Shoe Gallerie, D.R. Horton, Home Team Inspection Service, IAK Florida Builders, L.L.C., Pawlik Corp./ SWLF360, Realmark Development, The News Press, The Real Estate Book, Towns Title & Co., Vogue Hair Studio

Please support our State Sponsors:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Magnolia Insurance, North American Title Company, The HomeTeam Inspection Service, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
GOLD SPONSORS
Bank of America, Stewart Title Company, X-Caliber Title Co.
SILVER SPONSORS
Anderson Auctions, Attorney’s Title, Bright House Networks, Hughes Exterminators, Paul Homes, Harper-Pinzino Island Realty, RE/MAX Alliance Group
SPECIAL EVENTS SPONSOR
Home Check Home Inspections

PO Box 100265︱Cape Coral, FL 33910︱newsletter@wcrcapecoral.comwww.wcrcapecoral.com